A Beginner's Guide to Keeping Platies: The Vibrant and Hardy Fish

Platies are one of the most vibrant and friendly fish species you could introduce into your home aquarium. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned aquarist, Platies are a pleasure to keep due to their hardiness, vibrant colours, and peaceful nature.

Setting up the Tank:

Platies are active swimmers and appreciate some space. A tank of at least 75 litres is a good starting point for a small group. These fish thrive in an environment that mimics their natural habitat, so try to incorporate plenty of plants for hiding and exploring. Live plants, like Java Fern or Amazon Sword, are excellent choices, but synthetic plants will work just as well if you're not up for the maintenance of live ones.

Platies love a bit of a swim around rocks and driftwood. Adding these elements not only makes your tank aesthetically pleasing but also provides an enriching environment for your Platies.

Dialling in the Water Parameters:

Platies are tropical freshwater fish and prefer warm, slightly alkaline water. Here are the ideal parameters:

• Temperature: Aim to maintain a temperature between 21-27 degrees Celsius 
• pH: Platies prefer a pH between 7.0 and 8.2.
• Hardness: They prefer moderately hard water, with a general hardness (GH) between 10-28 dGH.

Remember to frequently test your water parameters, especially when setting up a new tank. Regular monitoring ensures your Platies are swimming in a healthy environment.

Feeding your Platies:

Platies are omnivores and thrive on a varied diet. High-quality flake food or pellets make up the bulk of their diet, but occasionally supplementing with live or frozen foods, such as brine shrimp or bloodworms, adds essential nutrients and keeps them in peak health.

Tip: Only feed them what they can consume in a few minutes to prevent uneaten food from spoiling and causing water quality issues. We feed ours the Ultra Fresh Excellent Bits. 

Choosing Tank Mates:

Platies are peaceful fish that get along well with other non-aggressive species. Good tank mates include other livebearers like Mollies and Guppies, as well as Tetras, Corydoras Catfish, and peaceful Loaches. Remember, it's crucial to monitor new additions for any signs of aggression or stress.

A Word on Breeding:

Just like Guppies, Platies are livebearers and are notorious for reproducing quickly in the right conditions. If you have a mix of males and females, be prepared for the potential arrival of fry (baby fish).

If you aren't ready for an influx of baby Platies, consider keeping a single sex or being prepared to separate the males and females.

In conclusion, Platies are an excellent addition to any freshwater aquarium, especially for beginners. With their diverse colour variations, peaceful disposition, and easy care, you can't go wrong with these beautiful fish. Enjoy your aquatic adventure!